Bigfork, MT vs Colstrip, MT

The cost of living difference between Bigfork, MT and Colstrip, MT is dramatic. Colstrip is 72.1% cheaper than Bigfork, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Bigfork has a cost index of 116 while Colstrip sits at 68, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Bigfork is $1,103/month compared to $632/month in Colstrip — a 75% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Colstrip is more affordable at $193,700 median vs $614,300.

Median household income in Bigfork is $82,648 compared to $86,000 in Colstrip (-3.9%). Colstrip offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Bigfork spend roughly 16% of their income on rent, more than the 8.8% in Colstrip.